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Danny Welbeck scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal beat Europa League rivals Sporting Lisbon to extend their winning streak to 11 games.
After a largely forgettable opening half, the Gunners gradually improved after the interval and took control of Group E with a 1-0 victory at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Welbeck had already seen a header chalked off for a foul but he was on hand to steer home in the 77th minute to settle the contest in favour of Unai Emery's side.
Granit Xhaka started in the unfamiliar role of left-back as Emery made six changes for the game in Portugal, with Welbeck one of those drafted in
The win means a draw in the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium in a fortnight could be enough to seal Arsenal's progression into the last-32 with two games remaining.
The draw leaves both sides on seven points in Group E, with the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium in a fortnight now seemingly pivotal as to who will become favourites to progress in first place.
Re-live the action below:
When is it?
Sporting vs Arsenal kicks off at 17:55 BST
Where to watch?
BT Sport will be showing live coverage on BT Sport 2 and online for customers on the BT Sport app and website.
Odds
Sporting to win: 3/1
Arsenal to win: 5/6
Draw: 11/4
Prediction
Sporting 0-2 Arsenal
58 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
Half a chance for the Gunners as Aubameyang clips the ball in towards Welbeck. Corner to follow.
Elneny makes way for Torreira.
58 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
It's another very, very poor corner from Xhaka.
Arsenal look most likely to break the deadlock here, though. Aubameyang has been lively so far in this half.
60 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
Unai Emery will be hoping the introduction of Torreira will give his side the edge in the centre of the park. The Uruguayan has been so influential for Arsenal in recent weeks.
61 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
Aaron Ramsey looks like he's been told to get closer to Aubameyang after the introduction of Torreira.
63 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
Guendouzi unleashes a shot from outside the area but it's an easy save for Ribeiro. Arsenal now have a corner after Mkhitaryan was tackled on the right-hand side.
64 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
Lichtsteiner is penalised after going up for an aerial challenge outside the box.
65 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
A Sporting short corner comes to nothing and Arsenal break. Welbeck charges through the centre and Ramsey has a shot blocked.
68 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
The ball is in the Sporting net after Danny Welbeck heads in from a cross. However, the England striker is penalised for a push on a Sporting defender and the goal isn't allowed. Unlucky.
69 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal are dominating possession now and pushing for an opening goal.
70 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal
Sporting keeper Ribeiro is forced into an important punch away inside his six-yard box after Lichsteiner put an excellent ball into the box. Both Aubameyang and Welbeck were waiting to pounce.
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